When we start planning our wedding, the first things we think about are the location, the venue, the dress, and the flowers. Of course they are; we all get wrapped up in the excitement of planning the big day and want everything to be beautiful. However, there is a crucial part of the day that requires as much attention as everything else… your catering.

You’ve planned the perfect day and have all your nearest and dearest with you, so let's create a dining experience that will add to the list of “wows” for the day. Here are 5 tips to help guide you through picking, booking, and planning your wedding's catering.

1. Budget

When you begin the initial stages of planning and budgeting for your wedding, your catering budget should be one of the key components to consider. The average cost of a wedding in Australia ranges between $36,000 - $51,000, with the average cost of catering being between $5,000 - $12,000, roughly constituting 20%-25% of your overall budget. These prices will vary due to factors such as the number of guests, the quality of the vendor, and the style of dining.

Keeping this in mind, catering accounts for a significant portion of your budget, and it is crucial to allocate funds accordingly. It is also arguably one of the more important aspects of the night, as you have invited a select group of people to share your special day with you. Providing them with a delicious meal is one way to thank them for participating and ensuring they are well taken care of.

Your caterer will usually charge per person, with additional fees depending on variables such as location, travel, equipment, and add-ons, such as bar service.

2. Number of Guests

What do you do about that distant second cousin, twice removed from Woop Woop, that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years, but you feel there is pressure to invite them to your wedding?

We are here to remind you that there should be no pressure to invite people who don’t hold a special place in your heart. This doesn’t mean you don’t care about them, but you aren’t obligated to send them an invitation - you can catch up at the next big extended family get-together.

You are outlaying a significant amount of money to create a day that is a celebration of your love as a couple. This day should be shared with people in your life with whom you have a strong personal connection.

Okay, great, now that we’ve crossed that hurdle. It is important to have guest numbers locked in so you can communicate this with your caterer to ensure everyone is catered for appropriately. Having a clear understanding of guest numbers will also assist in finding a caterer that fits comfortably into your budget

3. Choose serving style

There are a few styles of service to consider when you are planning your wedding, do you want something more traditional or are you looking for a more informal approach? Knowing this in advance will help you when choosing your venue space and your caterer.

The most common styles of service are:

Canapés: Ideal as a standalone catering option or during cocktail hour in addition to a sit-down meal, Roaming Canapés provide the ultimate flexibility for your event. Guests are treated to an exquisite array of bite-sized delights.

Perfectly suited for cocktail weddings or events with no formal seating, Roaming canapés offer a seamless blend of flavours, textures, and artful presentation.

Whether you're looking to create an interactive mingling experience or seeking to complement a formal dining setting, this versatile dining style allows you to curate the perfect experience for your guests.

Individually Plated/Alternate Drop: Individually plated/alternate drop dining is perfect for formal sit-down events such as corporate functions, weddings and private events.

Choose your preferred number of courses, and menu options and each guest receives their own beautifully presented plate. It's an opportunity to indulge in a menu designed for enjoyment at every individual's pace and preference.

Banquet Share Plates: Ideal for those who value togetherness and a more informal dining experience, banquet dining has quickly become the most popular option for sit-down events.

Banquet share plates are served down the centre of the table, giving guests the opportunity to serve themselves as they please whilst staying seated and interacting over an elaborate spread.

Perfect for weddings, gatherings, and events focused on connection.

Buffet Table: Buffet Tables are a great way of feeding any number of guests. We find a lot of customers like the idea of a buffet table as it allows for added space on the tables for floral arrangements, candles, beverages, etc.

With Buffet Tables, the food is served on a seperate table where guests can walk past and serve themselves.

Guests can explore a tempting array of dishes, serving themselves to their heart's content.

This interactive dining style allows for customisation and ensures that everyone finds a favourite, making it an excellent choice for large gatherings and diverse palates.

4. Dietary Restrictions

Once you’ve locked your caterer and discussed the style of dining you’re after and have confirmed the number of guests, the next thing to consider are dietary restrictions.

Ensuring all your guests are not only well fed but are able to fully enjoy their delicious meal safely is vitally important. A great time to request guests dietary restrictions is when they RSVP to the event. Adding this touch to the invitation means you’ll have all dietary requirements at the same time as confirming all guest numbers.

It is crucial that all dietary requirements are communicated clearly to your caterer well in advance of the event. This will give your caterer time to create appropriate dishes and take the necessary pre-cautions to eliminate risk of cross contamination.

A helpful tip: If you have formal seated meals, adding a name tag with the persons dietary restrictions e.g Dairy Free, no nuts etc, at the bottom of their name tag is very helpful for caterers to locate these guests easily.

5. Trust your chef

Now that you have found a caterer that suits your budget, number of guests, style of dining, and you have communicated menu choices, guest numbers, and dietary restrictions, it’s now time to relax, kick your feet up, and allow the professionals to take care of the rest.

Caterers are experts not only in creating delicious meals but also in following run sheets, timing each detail, and planning. It’s now time to let them take care of you.

5 tips for planning your wedding catering